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NEW YORK (1010 WINS/ AP) – The old urban legend about alligators living in the sewers of New York City gained some cred Sunday after a 2-foot-long alligator was spotted under a car in Queens.

The alligator was discovered around 3 p.m. on Newtown Avenue and 29th Street in Astoria. Animal Care and Control experts aren’t sure how the alligator got there.

Spokesman Richard Gentles says the alligator would likely go to a licensed rehabilitator or reptile sanctuary.

“He is in pretty good health and just seems to be taking it all in,” Gentles told 1010 WINS. “He’ll be kept in a quiet place so he’s not stressed out.”

He says the agency rescues two to four alligators, crocodiles or caimans in the city every year.

In 2006, authorities captured a 15-inch alligator at an apartment complex in Brooklyn. And in 2001, a 2-foot-long caiman was found living in a lake in Central Park.

It is illegal to keep them in New York City homes.

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